food IS a theme park
Polynesian Village Resort
is a relaxing tropical getaway — with some great dining and drinking to boot! And since it’s on the Resort Monorail Loop, it’s easy to stop in any time of the day or night on your way to or from Magic Kingdom.
Polynesian Village Resort
Guest Author AM Appleby returns to share her California Grill Brunch at the Top experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Brunch is offered every Sunday from 10AM – 1PM. Cost is $80 for adults and $48 for kids ages 3-11.
California Grill, located atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is well known for fine dining and spectacular views. A divine spot for sushi, steak, and fabulous cocktails, the restaurant began serving brunch in February for the first time in its 20-year history.
Considering the reputation of California Grill, I didn’t even glance at the menu before booking an Advance Dining Reservation. I thought brunch would be top notch, and had high hopes that I wouldn’t be disappointed.
Upon arriving at the Contemporary Resort, we were directed to Valet Parking where a Cast Member was waiting to greet us. After a quick trip to the second floor check-in desk we were whisked away in a private elevator to the 15th floor. We walked towards the abundant light streaming in through the enormous windows, admiring the view beyond, and were given complimentary mimosas (and a children’s mimosa — or “faux-mosa” for my seven-year-old daughter) at the bar.
Complimentary Mimosas
The spacious room was fairly quiet, with charming music being played on piano and double bass. [Read more…]
We welcome back guest writer AM Appleby! Today, she’ll take us inside of Narcoossee’s for their once a week morning offering — Sunday Brunch!
We’ve enjoyed dinner at Narcoossee’s, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, many times, and always love booking a reservation coincident with the Wishes fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.
But recently, this dinner-only spot has begun to offer a leisurely and luxurious Sunday Brunch. We couldn’t wait to take a peek!
On a glorious and sunny Sunday morning, my daughter and I went to Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Entrance
I’ve enjoyed dinner twice at this location and was excited to try brunch. We arrived at the Grand Floridian twenty minutes before our reservation time and walked through the magnificent lobby and out the back doors to the restaurant. [Read more…]
We had the opportunity to attend the Tables in Wonderland Flower and Garden Festival Preview Event on Friday!
And we’re excited to share with you all of the news — and photos! — detailing some of the delicious dishes and wonderful drinks that you can expect at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, running from March 2-May 30, 2016!
But, super quick, before we get to the food, we HAD to show you a sneak peek at the festival itself! Crews are busy at working, preparing all of the exhibits.
Workers Getting It Done
We also had a first look at the brand new Music Garden Melodies Playground! OK, it doesn’t look like much right now, but kiddos are gonna LOVE this! [Read more…]
Cheers from The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge!
The Brown Derby Lounge sits just outside The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Its reputation stems from that of the original Brown Derby Restaurant in the City of Lights — a hot spot of the 1930s and 40s where stars of the Golden Age of film came to “see and be seen.” The outdoor lounge (which was added to the Disney World location in 2013) offers a spot for walk-ups without Advance Dining Reservations to enjoy a taste along with a bit of the ambience of the signature restaurant.
The Lounge serves food along with cocktails and bar service. And with some new items added to the menu this summer, we thought it was a good time to travel back to Hollywood’s heyday with a visit to the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge.
For a newer location, The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge blends so seamlessly within its surroundings that its hard to remember that it hasn’t been here all along. And, to be fair, the patio and tables HAVE been here all along, but they weren’t functioning as a lounge at the time.
Below is a shot from its opening day in October 2013.
Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
Not much has changed in the past almost-two years, except for [Read more…]
The last time we visited Animal Kingdom’s Dawa Bar here on the DFB, it was to show you a little bit around what was then its new location.
It hadn’t moved very far… you can still find the Dawa Bar tucked under the same roofing that provides shade for guests waiting to dine at Tusker House, though now — facing Tusker House — you’ll see the Dawa Bar on your right instead of your left.
Aside from the small location switch to accommodate Animal Kingdom construction and a fresh coat of paint, not much has changed at the Dawa Bar (with the exception of the Bloody Mary menu added last fall). And I’m inclined to say that’s a pretty good thing. Today we’re trying some of those classic drinks that bring guests back to the Dawa Bar time and time again (and grabbing one of those Bloody Marys while we’re at it).
Dawa Bar
I’d mentioned the high rate of return for Dawa Bar guests, but I think over the past year some new folks have made the discovery, too. Maybe I’m just imagining it, but it does seem to me that the new location has brought more guests to this fabulous little oasis.
Dawa Bar
It’s just a lot easier to see the bar while strolling in Harambe Village from its current location, whereas previously it was tucked toward the back and somewhat hard to spot unless you knew it was there. For that reason, it seems to have lost just a bit of its “hidden gem” status, but it’s managed to keep that “this is my Disney vacation home away from home” feel — in no small part thanks to the great bartenders and relaxing vibe.
Bartender at Dawa Bar
Dawa Bar-tender :)!
The cooling shade is another draw here, and the stools and neat chairs invite you sit and stay a while.
Mismatched chairs
Even though it’s probably the least comfortable, you’ve gotta love the conga chair. Even if you don’t sit in it, you can still appreciate the artistry of the carvings on the bottom.
Conga Chair!
But no matter where you sit, it’s much more about what you sip!
The “eats” here are actually nothing but beverages. And though today we’ll be focusing on the specialty drinks, you’ll always find a terrific selection of African wines and beers here, proudly featuring Tusker Lager.
Menus and bottle assortment
You can have any of the drinks you’re about to see served to you in a Mask Tumbler if you’re looking for a souvenir from your time at the Dawa Bar. These hit the scene around the same time the Musical Tumbler arrived at various spots around Animal Kingdom. It’ll up your beverage cost by about $6 per drink.
Mask Tumblers
One of the cocktails that has been a hit for a long time here is the Sugar Cane Mojito. Now, one reason I personally haven’t sampled the Sugar Cane Mojito previously is because I’m really not into mojitos in general. But this drink’s reputation precedes itself, and from the moment it was placed in front of me I started to understand why.
It’s a gorgeous drink — strikingly clear. I was mesmerized by the sunlight shining through the drink. (And, no, I hadn’t started drinking, yet. ;-D)
Sugar Cane Mojito
Even though the general components are the same as a typical mojito (plenty of mint, and in this case the rum is African Starr mixed with Sugar Cane Syrup — complete with a stalk of sugar cane), I really did enjoy this one.
As mentioned above, the Dawa Bar added Bloody Marys to the mix last fall, and the different twists are [Read more…]
We’re staring down the last of the dog days of summer as Disney World gears up for Fall… Join us on a tour around all four east coast Parks as we check out What’s New!
With September upon us everyone is anticipating autumn and special seasonal events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (currently underway) and the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (more on that a little later in the post :). So it’s not surprising to see Magic Kingdom all decked out for the occasion!
Magic Kingdom autumn decorations
(Love seeing this sign pop up [Read more…]
UPDATE: Please note that as of mid-June 2015, Pizzafari is no longer serving breakfast.
I think the start of the day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is something pretty special.
Since the entryway intentionally helps you meander a bit through the tree-lined pathways, there is an air of peacefulness about it you just don’t find in the other parks. And If you do find yourself here in the early morning hours, you’ll need sustenance to help energize you for a full day of touring.
in Discovery Island (heading on the pathway towards Africa) is one of the only places that offers a hot breakfast in the park. In the past (and as recently as our last visit in June), we were unimpressed — to say the least — with Pizzafari’s breakfast options.
But the morning menu recently underwent a refresh, so we were interested to give the new offerings a try.
Pizzafari sign
Yes, we’re here to check out the new menu. But it’s practically impossible to walk into Pizzafari and not take some time immediately to notice and enjoy the brightly colored artwork that covers pretty much every inch of the place! Below are just a few of my favorite [Read more…]
We’re just getting into Springtime in Orlando, and now is the perfect time to sit by the pool with a cocktail (or mocktail!).
So for your Friday Zen-ness today, I’ve got the perfect destination…
Aaaaahh...that's better, isn't it?
Beech Pool Bar at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort is one of the most relaxing spots I’ve visited within the gates of Walt Disney World.
A massive lazy river and pool complex is the perfect addition to a sunny Orlando afternoon…and the frozen hot chocolate doesn’t hurt either. But more on that later…
Beech Pool Bar
Let’s dive in!
Beech is more than your standard pool bar. There are plenty of tables and chairs for eating a full meal, but if relaxation is on the docket, consider curling up with a cocktail by one of the [Read more…]
Whew! Just back from the Disney Dream Christening Cruise and excited to share the details with you this week!
Stay up to date with all of our coverage on our Disney Dream Dine Around page! We’ll be chatting about the food on the ship and on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, so stay tuned…
And now, on to the round-up!
DisZine commemorates a Disneyland Chef — one we’ll be spotlighting in our own interview soon!
Loving this Disneymoon 2010 photo of reader/contributor Melissa Sue wearing her Disney Food Blog sweatshirt at the Contemporary Resort! Woo!!! (You can get your own at zazzle.com/disneyfoodblog.)
WDW Today Podcast has two dining podcasts that we love (I wonder why?!). Check out Disney restaurants for first timers and the Disney Dream Cruise Dining preview.
Devin from Disney Professional Internship Spring 2011 has an awesome California Grill review! I love the pic of that yummy ravioli!
All Ears Net showcases a new test breakfast buffet at the Wave in Disney’s Contemporary resort!
Caribbean Beach Designer Burger
Main Street Gazette samples two of Disney World’s brand new “designer” burgers!!
Pooh’s Travels shares some amazing food photos from Tokyo Disney‘s Christmas celebrations. I love this tinkerbell dessert!
Mouse Junkies has something to say about bloody marys in Disney World!
BritMick shares their thoughts on the Disney Dining Plan for two people.
DF ’82 takes us to Last Chance Cafe in Disneyland Paris. (Are those CHICKEN WINGS?!?)
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